Egg lifting device, and associated transfer systems and methods

ABSTRACT

An egg transfer system is provided. Such a system includes a first securing arrangement configured to engage and deflect about an egg such that the egg is capable of being seated within the first securing arrangement. A second securing arrangement is opposingly positioned with respect to the first securing arrangement, the second securing arrangement being configured to engage and deflect about an egg such that the egg is capable of being seated within the second securing arrangement. The first and second securing arrangements are configured to interact through relative movement with respect to one another, such interaction thereby causing an egg to be transferred therebetween. Associated systems and methods are also provided.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/281,821, filed Jan. 22, 2016, which is expresslyincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to egg processing devices. Moreparticularly, the present disclosure relates to an egg lifting devicecapable of lifting eggs contained within an egg flat or container, andassociated transfer systems and methods.

BACKGROUND

Various mechanical egg processing systems are used to process avian eggswithin a poultry hatchery facility. Such mechanical egg processingsystems may include, for example, a transfer system for transferringeggs from a tray associated with a setter incubator (commonly referredto as a “flat”) to a container associated with a hatcher incubator(commonly referred to as a “hatching basket”). In other instances, anexample of such mechanical egg processing systems may include an eggremoval system for removing certain eggs from the flats. In the case ofegg removal systems, it is common practice to remove non-live eggs fromlive eggs to increase available incubator space, to reduce the risk ofcontamination, and to save vaccine costs related to in ovo inoculations.

Conventionally, eggs designated as non-live are removed by hand or viaan automated egg removal device. Automated egg removal devices mayconventionally employ suction-type lifting devices as disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 4,681,063 to Hebrank, U.S. Pat. No. 5,017,003 to Keromnes etal., or U.S. Pat. No. 7,083,208 to Ilich.

However, such suction-type lifting devices may typically employ vacuumsystems that require additional mechanisms and power requirements tofunction. Furthermore, such suction-type lifting devices may bedifficult to maintain and clean, particularly after engaging an egg thatexplodes due to bacterial build-up within the egg. Additionally, thepolymer-based suction cup may become deformed about the lip area aftercontinuous use, thereby affecting the suction and lifting ability of thelifting device. In addition, the suction-type lifting devices do notstraighten eggs oriented at an angle in the egg flat.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an egg lifting device andassociated transfer system capable of lifting eggs in a simplifiedmanner while also improving the ease of maintenance of such a device,and further providing the additional function of straightening eggsoriented off-axis. Furthermore, it would be desirable to provide anassociated method that would simplify and facilitate improved liftingand transfer of eggs.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The above and other needs are met by aspects of the present disclosurewhich, according to one aspect, provides an egg transfer system having afirst securing arrangement configured to engage and deflect about an eggsuch that the egg is capable of being seated within the first securingarrangement. A second securing arrangement is opposingly positioned withrespect to the first securing arrangement, the second securingarrangement being configured to engage and deflect about an egg suchthat the egg is capable of being seated within the second securingarrangement. The first and second securing arrangements are configuredto interact through relative movement with respect to one another, suchinteraction thereby causing an egg to be transferred therebetween.

Another aspect provides an egg processing system having a frame and ahead operably engaged with the frame and configured to ascend anddescend. A plurality of egg lifting devices is operably engaged with thehead. Each egg lifting device has a first securing arrangementconfigured to engage and deflect about an egg such that an egg iscapable of being seated within the respective lifting device. Aplurality of pedestals is opposingly positioned with respect to the egglifting devices. Each pedestal has a second securing arrangementopposingly positioned with respect to the first securing arrangement,the second securing arrangement being configured to engage and deflectabout an egg such that the egg is capable of being seated within thesecond securing arrangement. The first and second securing arrangementsare configured to interact through relative movement of the head, suchinteraction thereby causing an egg to be transferred therebetween.

Yet another aspect provides a method of transferring. The methodcomprises descending an egg lifting device having a first securingarrangement to interact with an egg positioned within a second securingarrangement opposingly positioned with respect to the first securingarrangement. The method further comprises contacting the first securingarrangement of the egg lifting device with the egg. The method furthercomprises seating the egg within the first securing arrangement bydeflecting the securing arrangement about the egg. The method furthercomprises ascending the lifting device so as to lift the egg from thesecond securing arrangement.

Still another aspect provides an egg lifting device having a body and asecuring arrangement extending from the body. The securing arrangementis configured to engage and deflect about an egg such that the egg iscapable of being seated within the securing arrangement for liftingthereof. The securing arrangement has a plurality of looped wire membersformed of a flexible shape-memory material. The looped wire members havea pair of leg portions extending from the body and are integrallyconnected by a flared arcuate end portion that flares out away from aninternal space defined by the looped wire members.

Thus, various aspects of the present disclosure provide advantages, asotherwise detailed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described various embodiments of the present disclosure ingeneral terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings,which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective schematic view of an egg removal system capableof implementing a plurality of egg lifting devices, according to oneaspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a front view of an egg lifting device, according to one aspectof the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a magnified view of a portion of an egg lifting device,according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a magnified view of a portion of an egg lifting deviceengaging an egg, according to one aspect of the present disclosure

FIG. 5 is a front view of a plurality of egg lifting devices in positionto remove one or more eggs from an egg flat, according to one aspect ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates an egg lifting/releasing sequence in which an egglifting device removes an egg from an egg flat, according to one aspectof the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a front view of a prior art suction-type lifting device inposition to remove an egg from an egg flat, wherein the egg is orientedoff-axis;

FIG. 8 is a front view of the prior art suction-type lifting device inFIG. 7 after removing the egg from the egg flat;

FIG. 9 is a front view of an egg lifting device in position to remove anegg from an egg flat, according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a front view of the egg lifting device in FIG. 9 afterremoving the egg from the egg flat;

FIGS. 11-13 are various schematic views of a securing arrangement for anegg lifting device, according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a perspective schematic view of a head having a plurality ofegg lifting devices, according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a manual egg removal device havingplurality of egg lifting devices for removing eggs from an egg flat,according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a perspective schematic view of an egg removal systemimplementing a plurality of egg lifting devices, according to one aspectof the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 is a front view of an egg transfer system implementing aplurality of egg lifting devices, according to one aspect of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 18 is a partial front view of an egg transfer system implementing aplurality of egg lifting devices, illustrating an egg in a securedposition;

FIG. 19 is a partial front view of an egg transfer system implementing aplurality of egg lifting devices, illustrating an egg in a partiallyreleased position;

FIG. 20 is a front view of an egg transport system, according to oneaspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 21 is a schematic view of a multiple-lane track system of an eggtransport system, according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 22 is a front view of an egg transport system implemented inconjunction with an egg support assembly, according to one aspect of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 23 illustrates an egg carried by an egg lifting device beingpositioned for interaction with an egg processing device, according toone aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 24 is a perspective schematic view of an egg transport system,wherein an egg lifting device coupled to a track system transports anegg, according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 25 is a schematic view of an egg transport system capable ofrouting eggs along various tracks according to an identifiedcharacteristic thereof, according to one aspect of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 26 is a schematic view of an egg transport system capable ofsorting eggs according to gender, according to one aspect of the presentdisclosure;

FIGS. 27 and 28 are perspective schematic views of an egg removal systemcapable of implementing a plurality of egg lifting devices, according toone aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 29 illustrates an egg lifting device having resilient members eachwith a flared arcuate end portion, according to one aspect of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 30 illustrates the egg lifting device of FIG. 29 with some of theresilient members removed for illustrative purposes;

FIGS. 31-34 illustrate various configurations of the resilient membersof the egg lifting device, according to various aspects of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 35 illustrates an egg releasing sequence in which an egg transfersystem transfers an egg, according to one aspect of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 36 is a perspective schematic view of a pair of securingarrangements opposingly positioned to facilitate transfer of eggstherebetween, according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 37 illustrates an egg releasing sequence in which an egg transfersystem transfers an egg, according to one aspect of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 38 illustrates an egg lifting sequence in which an egg transfersystem transfers an egg, according to one aspect of the presentdisclosure; and

FIG. 39 illustrates an egg lifting sequence in which an egg transfersystem transfers an egg, according to one aspect of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Various aspects of the present disclosure now will be described morefully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in whichsome, but not all aspects of the disclosure are shown. Indeed, thisdisclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not beconstrued as limited to the aspects set forth herein; rather, theseaspects are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicablelegal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

The present disclosure is directed to devices, systems and methods forlifting eggs. According to some aspects, the present disclosure providesvacuum-less/suction-less means for lifting eggs. The termsvacuum-less/suction-less refer to the lack of vacuum or suction neededto interact with an egg in order to lift said egg. Instead, aspects ofthe present disclosure provide physical engagement means for securingand lifting an egg. Such vacuum-less/suction-less aspects of the presentdisclosure provide many advantages, including simplifying the means forlifting eggs, improving ease of maintenance, and improving reliability.

FIGS. 1, 16 and 17 illustrate automated egg processing systems. FIGS. 1and 16 illustrate egg removal systems 100. According to the particularaspect shown in FIG. 1, the egg removal system 100 is capable ofremoving and/or transferring eggs. Aspects of the present disclosure,however, are not limited to the illustrated egg removal system 100 ofFIG. 1. Aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented on anysystem or apparatus in which lifting of eggs is desired. For example,aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented on an egg transfersystem (FIG. 17) used to transfer eggs from a setter incubator tray (aso-called “egg flat”) to a hatch incubator tray (a so-called “hatchingbasket”).

As shown in FIG. 1, the egg removal system 100 may be particularlyadapted for removing eggs positioned within an egg flat 30 (FIG. 5),which includes a plurality of receptacles for individually receiving andmaintaining eggs in a generally vertical orientation. Examples ofsuitable commercial flats include, but are not limited to, a“CHICKMASTER 54” flat, a “JAMESWAY 42” flat and a “JAMESWAY 84” flat (ineach case, the number indicates the number of eggs carried by the flat).Using the egg removal system 100, all or selected eggs may be removedfrom the egg flat when positioned below an egg remover head 200.

According to some aspects, the egg removal system 100 may include aframe 110 and a conveyor assembly 112 provided to move egg flats in anautomated manner through the egg removal system 100 to a removalposition. The conveyor assembly 112 may include a guide rail systemconfigured to receive and guide egg flats to the removal position. Theconveyor assembly 112 may further include appropriate stop elements,sensors, belts, endless loops, motors, etc. for proper indexing andpositioning of egg flats within the egg removal system 100. In someinstances, egg flats may be manually advanced through the egg removalsystem 100.

Eggs entering the egg removal system 100 via egg flats may have varyingclassification characteristics. For example, egg flats may include eggsthat are classifiable based on viability, pathogen content, geneticanalysis, or combinations thereof. As such, eggs are passed through anegg classifier system to generate a classification for each eggcontained in an egg flat. Such eggs may be classified as viable ornon-viable (i.e., those eggs not containing a viable embryo according tothe egg classifier system), wherein the non-viable eggs may be furthersub-classified as, for example, infertile, rotten, or dead eggs.Exemplary egg classifier systems may be capable of classifying the eggsby using, for example, candling techniques (opacity, infrared, NIR,etc.), assaying techniques, or other known and suitable classificationmethods, processes, or techniques. After classification, the eggs may beremoved accordingly from the egg flat using the egg removal system 100according to the identified classification, such as, for example,removing non-viable eggs from the egg flat.

As shown in FIG. 1, the egg removal system 100 may include the eggremover head 200 coupled to the frame 110. As shown in FIG. 14, the eggremover head 200 may include a plurality of egg lifting devices 500capable of selectively or non-selectively removing eggs from the eggflat 30. In some instances, the egg remover head 200 may include astationary plate 220 to which the egg lifting devices 500 are secured,coupled, or otherwise engaged, as shown in FIG. 5. According to someaspects, the stationary plate 220 may define a plurality of holes forreceiving the egg lifting devices 500. In some instances, the egglifting devices 500 may be selectively or individually controlled. Thatis, the egg lifting devices 500 may be selectively deployed such thatinteraction thereof with respective eggs may be selectively controlled.For example, the egg lifting device 500 may be configured to selectivelyengaging respective eggs such that only those eggs identified as a firstsubset (e.g., as live or viable) of eggs are contacted for removal ortransfer from the egg flat. In such instances, a second subset (e.g.,non-live or non-viable) of eggs may remain in the egg flat for furtherprocessing without contact from any of the egg lifting devices 500.

According to some aspects, the conveyor assembly 112 may transport eggsstored in the egg flat past the egg classifier system so that each eggpasses therethrough such that data (egg classification status) may begenerated for each egg. The data collected by the egg classifier systemmay be provided to a controller for processing and storing dataassociated with each egg. The controller may then be capable ofgenerating a selectable removal signal to send to the egg liftingdevices 500 so that individual egg lifting devices 500 (or subsets ofegg lifting devices 500) are separately and individually deployed atvarious positions according to the classification status for each eggbased on the data collected by the egg classifier system.

In other instances, the egg processing apparatus 100 may include the eggremover head 200 coupled to the frame 110 and configured to movevertically for interacting with eggs contained within an egg flat 30when in a removal position beneath the egg remover head 200. The eggremover head 200 may be pneumatically or electrically driven to movevertically for facilitating interaction with eggs in the egg flat. Insome instances, the egg processing head 200 may be lowered and raisedpneumatically using a transfer cylinder (not shown) in fluidcommunication with a pneumatic system, as known by those of skill in theart. In some instances, the egg remover head 200 may be capable oflateral or horizontal movement outside the conveyor assembly 112 and/orthe removal position. In other instances, the egg remover head 200 maybe capable of arcuate movement using, for example, a servo motor 202(FIG. 16). In such instances where the egg remover head 200 is movable,the egg lifting devices 500 may be fixed to the egg remover head 200such that the egg lifting devices 500 are not individually or separatelydeployed for engaging the eggs. Instead, all eggs in the egg flat wouldbe engaged by the various egg lifting devices 500 moved by the eggremover head 200. However, when the egg lifting devices 500 areindividually or selectively controlled, the egg remover head 200 maystill be capable of movement for various reasons, including transportingthe eggs removed from the egg flat to some other location.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-4, the egg removal system 100 may be configuredto engage or contact eggs for removal thereof from the egg flat using anegg lifting device 500. According to some aspects, as also shown inFIGS. 11-13, the egg lifting device 500 may include a body 502 and asecuring arrangement 550. In some instances, the securing arrangement550 may extend from the body 502, wherein the body 502 acts as a stemfrom which the securing arrangement 500 projects. The body 502 may be ofunitary construction with the securing arrangement 550, while in otherinstances the body 502 may be discrete from the securing arrangement550.

The securing arrangement 550 may be configured to secure an egg to theegg lifting device 500 using physical contact and interaction such thatthe egg may be lifted or removed from the egg flat. In this regard, thesecuring arrangement 550 may act in a suction-less or vacuum-less mannerfor lifting eggs. The securing arrangement 550 may be capable ofdeflecting about the egg as the securing arrangement 550 advances ordescends upon the egg such that the egg becomes seated within orotherwise secured to the securing arrangement. In this regard, thesecuring arrangement may be formed of deflecting means or deflectivemembers capable of deflecting about the egg and along the contoursthereof, wherein the egg may be secured within the securing arrangementwithout mechanical actuation of the deflecting means or deflectivemembers to grasp the egg. In some instances, the securing arrangement550 may be open-ended so as to facilitate deflection of the securingarrangement 550 about the egg.

The securing arrangement 550 may be of unitary construction, while insome instances it may be formed of discrete components cooperating toform the securing arrangement 550. According to some aspects, thesecuring arrangement 550 may be formed of a pliant, flexible orresilient material so as to allow the securing arrangement 550 todeflect about the egg when coming into contact therewith. In thismanner, the securing arrangement 550 may remain in frictional contactwith the egg at various points thereon in a resistive or interferencefit manner that allows the egg to be lifted from the egg flat.

The securing arrangement 550 may be constructed from various materialsthat exhibit such deflective, elastic, or resilient qualities, such as,for example, resilient materials, elastic materials, super-elasticmaterials, pseudo-elastic materials, and shape memory materials. In someinstances, the egg orienting accommodation 200 may be constructed of ashape-memory material (e.g., shape memory alloy or shape memory polymer)that have the ability to return from a deformed state (temporary shape)to their original (permanent) shape induced by an external stimulus suchas temperature change. In other instances, the securing arrangement 550may be constructed of a super-elastic alloy (e.g., nickel titanium(nitinol)) that when deformed returns to its pre-deformed shape withoutexternal stimulus. When mechanically loaded, a super-elastic alloydeforms reversibly to very high strains (up to 10%) by the creation of astress-induced phase. When the load is removed, the new phase becomesunstable and the material regains its original shape. Such super-elasticmaterials, pseudo-elastic materials, and shape memory materials providethe benefit of resisting fatigue, an important factor when consideringthe quantity of eggs processed through the system 100. In someinstances, the securing arrangement 550 may be constructed of metalalloys (e.g., stainless steel) or polymer components, or combinationsthereof.

Initial engagement with an egg may be based on the natural elasticity ormemory tension of the securing arrangement 550. In this regard, afterinitial engagement with the egg, the securing arrangement 550 holds theegg, and therefore does not require constant mechanical tension to holdthe egg.

The securing arrangement 550 may have various shapes, forms, orstructures that permit the securing arrangement 550 to lift an egg usingphysical contact and engagement therewith as the means for lifting theegg. According to one particular aspect, the securing arrangement 550may be formed from a plurality of resilient members 560 extending fromthe body 502. The resilient members 560 may cooperate to form anopen-ended arrangement that allows an end of the egg to be easilyreceived within the securing arrangement 550. In some instances, theresilient members 560 may be in the form of wire loops forming a pliantwire structure in which to seat or secure the egg. Regardless of theform the securing arrangement 550 takes, the egg lifting device 500 maybe capable of lifting the egg from the egg flat by means of physicalcontact and without suction. In some instances, the various resilientmembers 560 may be integrally formed, while in other instances theresilient members 560 may be discrete components. The resilient members560 may be capable of bending elastically to accommodate eggs of varyingsize. In this regards, the securing arrangement 550 may provideautomatic and passive gripping means. The resilient members 560 mayfollow the contour of the egg to grip the egg as the resilient membersare advanced on the egg.

According to some aspects, the egg lifting device 500 may include anactuator 520 capable of raising/ascending and lowering/descending thesecuring arrangement 550. In some instances, the actuator 520 may be alinear actuator such as, for example, a pneumatically controlledcylinder. In instances where the egg lifting devices 500 are selectivelycontrolled, each actuator 520 may be capable of receiving a signalindicating the egg classification status of respective eggs in the eggflat 30 such that the actuators 520 may be selectively actuated, therebyfacilitating engagement or contact of certain select egg lifting devices500 with respective eggs. By selectively actuating the actuators 520,interaction of components of the egg lifting device 500 with non-live orotherwise undesirable eggs may be advantageously avoided.

According to some aspects, as shown in FIGS. 2-4, the egg lifting device500 may include a release device 575 configured to release the egg fromthe egg lifting device 500. In some instances, the release device 575may include a release member 580 capable of contacting the egg to forcethe egg out of engagement with the egg lifting device 500. The releasemember 580 may include a shaft or rod 582 and a flange 584, wherein theflange 584 contacts the egg for release. While the contact portion ofthe release device 575 is illustrated as a flange, it will be understoodthat the contact portion (i.e., the portion physically contacting theegg to apply force thereto) may be of various shapes, sizes andconfigurations, such as, for example, a spring 590 (FIG. 14). Further,the contact portion may be formed of resilient material that lessens theimpact forces of the release device 575 against the egg. In someinstances, the egg to be lifted may include a hole at the end thereofdue to previous egg processing procedures (e.g., punching a hole in anegg with a needle or punch such that a treatment substance may beinjected into the egg). As such, the contact portion of the releasedevice 575 may be configured such that the contact points thereofagainst the egg may be outside the hole, such as, for example, incircumferential manner. Further, in order to prevent impact at or nearthe hole, the contact portion may have a concave surface facing the egg,wherein the outer rim of the contact portion contacts the egg to limitcracking thereof by limiting the forces applied at or near the hole.

In some instances, the release member 580 may be biased using a biasingmember. A release actuator may be provided to actuate the release member580 to push the egg from the securing arrangement 550. For example, therelease member 580 may be spring loaded, which may be actuated by therelease actuator. According to some aspects, the release actuator may bepneumatically operated. The force applied by the release device 575 onthe egg causes the egg to move downward, thereby deflecting theresilient members 560 outwardly such that the egg may be released fromthe securing arrangement 550.

In some instances, the securing arrangement 550 may be constructed ofshape-memory materials in which the release mechanism for releasing eggsfrom the egg lifting device 500 may be accomplished by providing anelectrical current or a temperature change to the securing arrangement550 such that the egg is released according to a memory releaseprotocol.

In some instances, as shown in FIG. 5, an egg support assembly 700 maybe provided for raising the eggs from the egg flat such that thesecuring arrangement 550 is capable of fully securing the eggs therein,without obstruction from the egg flat 30. The egg flat 30 may typicallybe open-ended such that each egg receptacle 40 includes a hole throughwhich the egg may be raised from underneath. In this regard, the eggsmay be raised from underneath the egg flat by the egg support assembly700, while the egg lifting devices 500 lift and remove the eggs fromabove the egg flat. That is, the egg support assembly 700 may operateand be positioned beneath the egg flat, while the egg lifting devices500 operate and are positioned above the egg flats. In this manner, theegg support assembly 700 provides support to the eggs such that thesecuring arrangement 550 may be advanced about the eggs for securingthereof. According to some aspects, the egg support assembly 700 mayinclude a plurality of pedestals 710 for individually raising the eggsfrom each respective egg receptacle 40. In this manner, the eggs may beraised separately with respect to one another.

In operation, as shown in FIG. 5, an egg flat 30 containing eggs 1 maybe conveyed to the removal position beneath the egg remover head 200. Insome instances, the egg remover head 200 may be capable of processingmultiple egg flats 30 at a time.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary sequence for removing an egg 1 from areceptacle 40 of an egg flat 30 using an egg lifting device 500 and thenreleasing the egg 1 therefrom. As shown, the egg lifting device 500begins at a fully raised, retracted or ascended position. The egglifting device 500 may then advance or descend to engage the egg 1 atwhich point the securing arrangement 550 contacts the egg and begins todeflect. The securing arrangement 550 may be further advanced to a fullydescended position until the egg 1 is fully seated therein or securedthereto for removal. The egg lifting device 500 may then be raised,retracted or otherwise ascended so as to remove the egg 1 from thereceptacle 40. Thereafter, the release member 580 of the release device575 may be actuated to contact the egg 1, thereby pushing the egg 1 outof engagement with the securing arrangement 550. The released egg 1 maythen be captured or transported accordingly.

Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the egg lifting device 500 mayadvantageously facilitate straightening of eggs when received therein.That is, eggs oriented off-axis within the egg flat may be straighteneddue to the forces exerted on the egg by the securing arrangement 550when engaging the egg. In contrast, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, prior artsuction-type devices maintain the orientation of the egg as positionedwithin the egg flat. It may be desirable to straighten or verticallyalign eggs automatically using the egg lifting device 500 for furtherprocessing of such eggs. For example, the eggs may be returned to an eggflat for injection of the eggs with a treatment substance in which caseit may be desirable to have the eggs vertically aligned along thelongitudinal axis of the egg within the egg flat.

FIG. 15 illustrates a manual egg remover device 300. In this instance,the body 502 may be formed as a plate 302 in which the securingarrangements 500 are coupled thereto. The manual egg remover device 300may have a handle 310 for an operator to hold the device 300. Therelease devices 575 may be coupled to a connector 315 configured to movetoward and away from the plate 302 such that the release devices 575 mayinteract with the eggs 1 for releasing the eggs therefrom.

FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate the manner in which an egg 1 may be gentlyreleased into a hatching basket positioned on an egg transfer system100. As shown, a first plate 160 may be configured to move relative to asecond plate 170 such that when the first plate 160 moves toward thesecond plate 170, the stationary release device 575 interacts with theegg 1 to push the egg 1 out of the securing arrangement 550. In thisregard the head 200 may be lowered such that the egg 1 is slightlycontacting or almost contacting the hatching basket, so as to limit thedistance the egg 1 may travel to contact the hatching basket.Subsequently, the first plate 160, having the lifting devices 500coupled thereto, may ascend proximate to the second plate 170.Accordingly, the stationary release device 575 may remain in a fixedposition, thereby contacting the egg and forcing the egg 1 out of thesecuring arrangement 550 and into the hatching basket.

FIGS. 20-26 illustrate various aspects of an egg transport system 800capable of implementing the egg lifting devices 500 along a track system802. The egg transport system 800 may facilitate adaptable and/orcustomized processing to meet various egg processing needs. In thisregard, the egg lifting devices 500 as adapted to the egg transportsystem 800 may perform any number of functions, including, for example,acting as conveyor, egg flat, egg removers, locators, or storage. Tothat end, the egg lifting devices 500 may remove typical design/processconstraints caused by egg flat type and handling, thereby decreasingdesign complexity and associated cost. In some instances, each egglifting device 500 may allow each egg to be picked up once from the eggflat in the beginning of processing and remain riding until the drop-offat the final destination, such as the hatching basket.

Still in some instances, the egg lifting devices 500 as implemented inthe egg transport system 800 may be used to store or hold eggs in anincubator, whether a setter or hatcher incubator. In this regard, theegg transport system 800 may direct eggs within the incubators where theeggs remain in the egg lifting devices 500 and are stored forincubation. This may eliminate the need for carts/trolleys that arecurrently used to move egg flats/hatching baskets in and out of theincubators. Additionally, each egg may be carried by an egg liftingdevice 500 to a cooler room until moving to the incubators. The eggtransport system 800 may be configured to allow for tilting of the eggswithin the incubators. Further, the egg transport system 800 may beconfigured to circulate eggs within the incubators to assist with evenheat distribution.

Once loaded onto the egg transport system 800, the eggs may be carriedby the egg lifting devices 500 to various processing stations ormodules, such as, for example, egg identification, egg removal, egginjection, egg sampling, egg holding, egg heating, egg cleaning orsanitizing, egg stacking, egg sorting, egg backfilling, egg arranging(according to egg flats), egg transfer, egg sealing, or any other eggprocessing.

In some instances, the egg lifting devices 500 may be capable of tiltingthe egg to present the egg for injection at a target site. For instance,the eggs may be tilted by the egg lifting devices 500 such that the aircell is presented for injection.

As shown in FIG. 20, each egg lifting device 500 may include a trackingidentifier 515, such as a barcode or RFID tag for tracking each egglifting device 500 and respective egg carried thereby. Such a featuremay allow for manual intervention at any time on demand for a specificegg lifting device 500 and egg. Thus, each egg may be accurately trackedthrough the process and data related thereto collected along the way fordata processing and analysis.

According to one aspect, as shown in FIG. 21, the egg transport system800 may include the track system 802 having a plurality of tracks 805forming a multiple-lane system. The tracks 805 may be varied or narrowedwith respect to one another as needed for processing. For example, thetracks 805 may be narrowed to correspond with an egg flat 30 such thateggs may be removed from the egg flat 30. Additionally, the egg liftingdevices 500 may be staggered with respect to one another across thetracks 805 so as to correspond with the egg receptacles 40 of the eggflat 30. As such, the egg transport system 800 may be easily adapted toremove eggs from any egg flat type.

FIG. 22 illustrates the use of an egg support assembly 700 to lift orraise the eggs 1 from the egg flat 30 such that the securingarrangements 550 are able to secure the eggs 1 thereto, as previouslydescribed herein.

According to some aspects, the egg transport system 800 may include adrive assembly 820 for moving the egg lifting devices 500 along thetrack system 802. Each egg lifting device 500 may be coupled to thedrive assembly 820 to facilitate movement of the eggs throughout the eggtransport system 800. The drive assembly 820 may include any actuators,means or mechanism for moving the egg lifting devices along the tracksystem 802 and individual tracks 805 thereof. For example, the driveassembly 820 may include comprises any of a chain, belt, magnetic driveassembly, linear drive assembly or other drive functional means.

FIG. 23 illustrates a sampling process in which the egg lifting device500 carries an egg 1 to a sampling station having a processing device900 capable of extracting a sample from the egg 1. As shown, the egg 1may be carried to the processing device 900, wherein the pedestal 710 ofthe egg support assembly 700 is moved to support the egg 1 during thesample extraction process. Subsequently, the processing device 900extends within the egg lifting device 500 in a co-axial manner andpierces the egg so as to enter the egg for extracting a sample. With thesample extracted, the egg lifting device 500 may be transported away forfurther processing or holding. An assay plate/tray or sample receivingmedium 950 may be moved beneath the processing device 900 to receive thesample, for example, in an assay well 952.

According to some aspects of the present disclosure, the egg liftingdevice 500 may include one or more sample receiving segments forreceiving a sample from the egg 1 carried thereby, as shown in FIG. 24.For example, the body 502 may be engaged with the track 805, wherein thebody 502 defines a receptacle 504 for receiving a sample. In someinstances, a disposable well 506 may be provided. Still in otherinstances, a sample receiving medium 508, such as filter paper, may beprovided on the egg lifting device 500 for receiving a sample from theegg 1 carried thereby. In this regard, rather than using multiple largeassay trays, the egg lifting devices 500 may be used as an individualassay tray. To that end, the processing device 900 may extract a samplefrom the egg 1 and then deposit the sample onto the egg lifting device500 such that each egg lifting device 500 carries a sample from the eggit holds. Thereafter, the egg lifting devices 500 may be moved to anassay station for assay processing steps (heating, de-nature, reagentdispense, etc.) and/or incubation. In this regard, no separate eggholding/assay station may be needed, and associated physical movement,control, and communication may be eliminated. In other instances, thesample carried by the egg lifting device 500 may be directly processedseparately from the egg with respect to the assay, wherein, for example,a collimated lens is used to focus heat from a heat lamp onto eachsample. Cooling of the sample may be implemented in a similar fashiondirected toward the sample itself.

In some instances, the egg transport system 800 may be configured tosort eggs according to an identified characteristic determined for eachegg. For example, each egg may be identified according to gender asbeing male, female, or unknown and sorted accordingly. As shown in FIG.25, each track 805 may include a plurality of branches for directingeggs 1 along varying routes according to an identified characteristicsuch as gender. The tracking identifier 515 may be used to determinewhich branch each egg 1 should follow. That is, after the egg 1 isdetermined to have a characteristic it is tracked through the system 800with such information. As shown in FIG. 25, the egg lifting devices 500and respective eggs 1 may be routed to a first branch 812 forfemale-identified eggs, a second branch 814 for male-identified eggs, ora third branch 816 for unknown eggs (male/female not determined) forappropriate processing. As shown in FIG. 26, the first branch 812 ofeach track 805 may transport the female eggs to a first processingstation 880 (e.g., egg injection station), while the second branch 814of each track 805 may transport the male-identified eggs to a secondprocessing station 885 (e.g., egg injection station). In some instances,unknown eggs may be re-routed through the system for additional analysisin determining the characteristic of interest.

As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, the egg remover head 200 may include aplurality of egg lifting devices 500 capable of removing eggs from theegg flat 30 and thereafter releasing the eggs. In some instances, theegg remover head 200 may include a plate 260 to which the egg liftingdevices 500 are movably connected or coupled such that the egg liftingdevices are capable of moving vertically, as shown in FIGS. 27 and 28.According to some aspects, the plate 260 may define a plurality of holes262 for receiving the egg lifting devices 500. In some instances, theegg lifting devices 500 may be selectively or individually controlled.That is, the egg lifting devices 500 may be selectively deployed suchthat interaction thereof with respective eggs may be selectivelycontrolled. Further, a release system 270 may be coupled to the plate260 in a fixed manner such that movement of the plate 260 also causescorresponding movement of the release system 270. The release system 270may include a pair of arms 272 extending from the plate 260, with acrossbar 274 connecting the arms. The crossbar 274 may include or haveattached thereto a plurality of release members 580 such as, forexample, biasing members (e.g., springs) to interact with the eggs. Therelease members 580 may be correspondingly positioned and aligned with arespective egg lifting device 500. As the egg lifting devices 500 moverelative to the plate 260, an egg may be received within or releasedfrom the egg lifting device 500. As shown in FIG. 28, the egg liftingdevice 500 is in an extended position such that an egg may be receivedtherewithin by lifting from an egg flat. As shown in FIG. 27, the egglifting device 500 is in a retracted position in which an egg previouslycontained within the egg lifting device 500 has contacted the stationarycrossbar 274 and respective release member 580 such that the egg isphysically forced out of engagement with the egg lifting device 500.

As previously described, the resilient members 560 may cooperate to forman open-ended arrangement that allows an end of the egg to be easilyreceived within the securing arrangement 550. In some instances, asshown in FIGS. 29 and 30, the resilient members 560 may be extend fromthe body 502 in a loop shape. In one aspect, each resilient member 560may include a pair of leg portions 562 extending from the body 502. Theleg portions 562 may be integrally connected as a continuous piece ofwire material to an arcuate end portion 564 defining a radius ofcurvature of the looped resilient member 560. In some instances, thearcuate end portion 564 may flare or otherwise deflect outward, as shownin FIG. 30 (showing only one resilient member 560 for illustrativeclarity), from an internal seating area or compartment defined andformed by the resilient members. The flaring of the arcuate end portion564 allows for an egg to be more easily seated within the securingarrangement 550, which may be beneficial in limiting incidences of eggcracking. Moreover, in some instances, the leg portions 562 may bearcuately extend from the body 502 so as to provide a bulge in theresilient member 560 that substantially corresponds to the shape of theegg, as shown in FIGS. 29 and 30. However, it is noted that theresilient members 560 may function appropriately in a configuration inwhich the bulge is not included, as shown in FIGS. 11-13, where the legportions 562 extend perpendicular from the body 502.

FIGS. 31-34 illustrate various examples of configurations for the loopedresilient member 560. The height H of the looped resilient member 560 isshown from the arcuate end portion 564 to the end of the leg portions562. In some instances, the height H may be in the range of about 2.5 cmto about 13 cm. The width W of the looped resilient member 560 is shownas the largest open part of the loop. In some instances, the width W maybe in the range of about 1 cm to about 5 cm. The angle A is shown fromthe two ends of the leg portions 562 inward (FIG. 34) to about 30degrees outward (FIG. 33). The radius of curvature R of the arcuate endportion 564 may be, according to some aspects, in the range of about 0.5cm to about 5 cm. The cross sectional diameter of the wire used to formthe resilient member 560 may be in the range of about 0.6 mm to about1.5 mm.

FIGS. 35-39 illustrate an egg transfer system 600 in which a firstsecuring arrangement 550 of an egg lifting device 500 is positionedopposite to a second securing arrangement 550 of a pedestal 650 fortransferring eggs therebetween. This of course may be configured as aplurality of egg lifting devices 500 and pedestals 650 with opposinglypositioned securing arrangements, for meeting throughput requirements.It was discovered that using looped resilient members 560 allows for anegg to be transferred between the first and second securing arrangementswhen interacting with one another, thereby eliminating the need to pushthe egg out of engagement with securing arrangement 550, as shown inFIGS. 37-39. Thus, many mechanical and/or pneumatic components may beadvantageously eliminated from the egg transfer process. However, insome instances, the egg may be pushed out of engagement with the firstsecuring arrangement 550, as shown in FIG. 35.

As shown in FIG. 35, an egg 1 secured within the first securingarrangement 550 of the egg lifting device 500 may be forced out ofengagement with the looped resilient members 560 thereof via actuationof the release device 575. In this regard, the egg 1 may be transferredto the second securing arrangement 550 of the pedestal 650. The loopedresilient members 560 of the second securing arrangement 550 mayfacilitate a soft landing for the egg 1 so as to limit incidences ofcracking. In some instances, a bumper 675 may be provided to limit thedistance the egg 1 may travel within the second securing arrangement550. As can be seen, the egg 1 may or may not contact the bumper 675,depending on the size of the egg seated therein.

FIG. 36 illustrates one example of the first and second securingarrangements being positioned in an opposing manner. Such aconfiguration allows for simple, quick, efficient and cost-effectivetransferring of an egg for various purposes, such as, for example, eggsorting.

FIG. 37 illustrates transferring of an egg 1 from the first securingarrangement 550 (shown as above the second securing arrangement 550) tothe below positioned second securing arrangement 550. As shown, thefirst securing arrangement 550 may be lowered/descended to interact withthe second securing arrangement 550. Thereafter, the first securingarrangement 550 is raised/ascended and the egg 1 remains seated in thesecond securing arrangement 550, without the need for a release deviceto force the egg 1 out of engagement with the first securing arrangement550.

FIG. 38 illustrates the lifting and transfer of an egg 1 from the secondsecuring arrangement 550 to the above positioned first securingarrangement 550. As shown, the first securing arrangement 550 may belowered/descended to interact with the second securing arrangement 550.Thereafter, the first securing arrangement 550 is raised/ascended andthe egg 1 is lifted and seated within the first securing arrangement550, without the need for a pusher device to push the egg 1 out ofengagement with the second securing arrangement 550.

FIG. 39 illustrates the lifting and transfer of an egg 1 from the secondsecuring arrangement 550 to the above positioned first securingarrangement 550. As shown, the first securing arrangement 550 may belowered/descended to interact with the second securing arrangement 550.Thereafter, the first securing arrangement 550 is raised/ascended andthe egg 1 is lifted and seated within the first securing arrangement550, without the need for a pusher device to push the egg 1 out ofengagement with the second securing arrangement 550. As shown in FIG.39, in some instances the first securing arrangement 550 may have abiasing member (e.g., a spring) or bumper 675 (FIG. 35).

It was also discovered that the alignment of the looped resilientmembers 560 on the opposingly positioned first and second securingarrangements 550 determines whether the egg transfer will beeffectuated. In this regard, when the looped resilient members 560 ofthe opposing securing arrangements 550 are in corresponding alignment,as shown in FIG. 37-39, the transfer of the egg is effectuated. However,if the opposing securing arrangements 550 are not aligned, then the eggtransfer will not be effectuated. Accordingly, the first and/or secondsecuring arrangements 550 could be rotated to provide a selectabletransfer feature. That is, if it is determined that an egg should not betransferred, then one of the first and second securing arrangements 550could be rotated about its central axis such that the looped resilientmembers 560 are not aligned, thereby inhibiting transfer of the egg. Asshown in FIGS. 37-39, the looped resilient members 560 of the firstsecuring arrangement 550 (shown above the second securing arrangement550) move within the interior compartment defined by the second securingarrangement 550 such that the looped resilient members 560 of the secondsecuring arrangement 550 are exterior to the looped resilient members560 of the first securing arrangement 550, thus allowing for thegripping/lifting or releasing of the egg.

Many modifications and other aspects of the present disclosure set forthherein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which thisdisclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in theforegoing descriptions and the associated drawings. For example, the egglifting device 500 may be adapted or modified to rotate so at to rotatethe egg or otherwise orient at various angles with respect to verticalfor achieving a desired purpose such as, for example, manipulating anair cell (air pocket) within the egg for injection or sampling purposes.Therefore, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not tobe limited to the specific aspects disclosed and that modifications andother aspects are intended to be included within the scope of theappended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they areused in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes oflimitation.

That which is claimed:
 1. An egg transfer system, comprising: a firstsecuring arrangement configured to engage and deflect about an egg suchthat the egg is capable of being seated within the first securingarrangement; a second securing arrangement opposingly positioned withrespect to the first securing arrangement, the second securingarrangement being configured to engage and deflect about an egg suchthat the egg is capable of being seated within the second securingarrangement; and wherein the first and second securing arrangements areconfigured to interact through relative movement with respect to oneanother, such interaction thereby causing an egg to be transferredtherebetween.
 2. An egg transfer system according to claim 1, whereinthe first and second securing arrangements comprise a plurality ofresilient members cooperating to form an open-ended arrangement throughwhich the egg is capable of being received.
 3. An egg transfer systemaccording to claim 2, wherein the resilient members are formed of aflexible shape-memory material.
 4. An egg transfer system according toclaim 3, wherein the resilient members are formed in a loop shape.
 5. Anegg transfer system according to claim 1, further comprising a releasedevice configured to release the egg from at least one of the first andsecond securing arrangements.
 6. An egg processing system, comprising: aframe; a head operably engaged with the frame and configured to ascendand descend; a plurality of egg lifting devices operably engaged withthe head, each egg lifting device having a first securing arrangementconfigured to engage and deflect about an egg such that an egg iscapable of being seated within the respective lifting device; aplurality of pedestals opposingly positioned with respect to the egglifting devices, each pedestal having a second securing arrangementopposingly positioned with respect to the first securing arrangement,the second securing arrangement being configured to engage and deflectabout an egg such that the egg is capable of being seated within thesecond securing arrangement; and wherein the first and second securingarrangements are configured to interact through relative movement of thehead, such interaction thereby causing an egg to be transferredtherebetween.
 7. A method of transferring eggs, the method comprising:descending an egg lifting device having a first securing arrangement tointeract with an egg positioned within a second securing arrangementopposingly positioned with respect to the first securing arrangement;contacting the first securing arrangement of the egg lifting device withthe egg; seating the egg within the first securing arrangement bydeflecting the securing arrangement about the egg; and ascending thelifting device so as to lift the egg from the second securingarrangement.
 8. An egg lifting device, comprising: a body; and asecuring arrangement extending from the body, the securing arrangementbeing configured to engage and deflect about an egg such that the egg iscapable of being seated within the securing arrangement for liftingthereof, the securing arrangement having a plurality of looped wiremembers formed of a flexible shape-memory material, the looped wiremembers having a pair of leg portions extending from the body andintegrally connected by a flared arcuate end portion that flares outaway from an internal space defined by the looped wire members.